Left has become a 'habit' for Mukherjee

"Left has become a habit," External Affair Minister says during a media briefing.

Old habits never die. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee realised it on Friday.

After the meeting of ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) allies at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh residence, Mukherjee came to brief the media. A relaxed looking Mukherjee began his briefing by saying: "Today we had a meeting of UPA and Left coordination committee!"

As everyone looked at him in disbelief, Mukherjee burst into laughter and said: "Aadat ban chuki hai (It has become a habit). What to do," he said.

Friday's UPA meeting was to discuss the ruling coalition's strategy to overcome the crisis born out of Left's withdrawal of support to the government.

Mukherjee, who heads the 15-member UPA-Left nuclear committee, used to brief the media after its meetings.